Halloween is a lot of fun. The costumes, the carved pumpkins, the excited knock at the door and, of course, the bucket of lollies at the end of the night. We’d never tell you to skip the treats altogether. But some are much kinder to your teeth than others, and knowing the difference can save you a filling (and a few tears) down the track. Here’s our honest guide to what to hand out, what to go easy on and how to enjoy the night without paying for it later.
Why Sugar Is Such a Problem for Teeth
The problem doesn’t arise because of the sugar; the bacteria in your mouth consume the sugar and excrete acids that erode your tooth enamel. Each time you have sugar, your teeth remain exposed to the acid for about 20 to 30 minutes.
The issue here is not only the amount of sugar in the candy but also how long it stays in your mouth and how many times you come back to it. If you have a few sweets at once, it will be much less harmful to your teeth than if you snack on the same amount throughout the whole evening.
The Worst Halloween Treats for Your Teeth
Sticky and chewy lollies
Caramels, toffees, gummy bears and jelly snakes are probably the biggest offenders. They cling to the grooves of your teeth and wedge themselves in between, feeding bacteria for hours after the last bite. They’re also notorious for pulling out loose fillings and popping brackets off braces.
Hard lollies and lollipops
These take ages to dissolve, which means your teeth are bathed in sugar the whole time. There’s also a real risk of cracking a tooth if you get impatient and bite down instead of letting them melt.
Sour lollies
Sour lollies are a double hit. They’re packed with sugar and coated in acid, so they start softening enamel before the bacteria even get going. The more mouth-puckering they are, the tougher they are on your teeth.
Sugary drinks
Fizzy drinks and fruit juice often sneak onto the Halloween table. Sipping them over a long evening keeps your teeth under constant attack, so they’re worth swapping for water where you can.
The Better Choices
Plain chocolate
It might surprise you, but plain chocolate is one of the better options. It melts quickly and washes away much more easily than sticky lollies. Dark chocolate has less sugar again, so if you love it, you’re in luck. Just steer clear of chocolate bars filled with caramel or nougat.
Sugar-free gum
Gum sweetened with xylitol gets saliva flowing, which helps neutralise acid and rinse away leftover sugar. It’s a great one to hand out to older kids and teens, and it’s a handy thing for adults to chew after a sweet snack too.
Non-food treats
Stickers, glow sticks, temporary tattoos, spooky pencils and mini torches are always a hit. Kids genuinely love them, they last longer than a lolly and they’re a thoughtful choice for children with allergies or dietary needs.
How to Enjoy Halloween Without the Damage
You don’t need to be the house that hands out toothbrushes. A few simple habits make a big difference.
- Have treats with or straight after a meal, when your mouth makes more saliva to wash sugar away
- Pick a set time for treats rather than grazing all evening
- Drink a glass of water afterwards to rinse your mouth
- Wait 30 to 60 minutes before brushing, because acid softens enamel and brushing too soon can wear it down
- Let kids choose a few favourites to keep and put the rest away for later in the week
A Quick Note for Parents
Because baby teeth contain less enamel, any decay process can affect them much faster. However, this does not mean that you should avoid Halloween altogether. On the contrary, it is an excellent opportunity to educate your child about the importance of proper dental care and the necessity of choosing particular treats.
Keep helping your little ones brush their teeth twice a day, since children can’t brush adequately on their own until they are eight years old. If there are any suspicious brown stains, or a complaint about tooth pain following this holiday, do not hesitate to consult a dentist.
The Bottom Line
Ask any Brighton dentist, and they will tell you that it is not one single treat that leads to cavities, but it is the continuous snacking after them that does. Go for chocolate instead of sticky candies, limit your treats only to particular times of the day, drink enough water, and brush regularly.
This way, you will be able to have all the fun of Halloween, from its first candy to its last chocolate bar, with your smile bright and healthy.